Determined to Survive
"From Vision to Victory" 
by Dee Simmons

Twelve years ago I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I was devastated and shocked. 

Fortunately, the first part of my journey took me to Oasis of Hope Hospital, then called Contreras Hospital, where I met and became a patient of Dr. Francisco Contreras. Immediately, my life was touched in a positive effect with staff and environment that produced a reassurance of comfort, peace, and healing. I was treated in not only a professional way but as a family member. Oasis’ focus was on the whole patient, not just the disease. With the assistance of Dr. Contreras and the hospital staff, I learned how to take charge of my life, and this was the real journey, the journey of my healing. I soon became an avid student of nutrition and quickly learned how to apply the best of science and the best of nature to my personal life. I also learned health is the most valuable possession in life. Its been said that the best things in life are free. Sometimes, however those things that are most precious to us have a terrible cost. I consider our health to be one virtue that we hold most sacred, unfortunately some of us are stricken with a dreaded disease that threatens to cut short God’s most special gift of life. Cancer requires the ultimate battle. It forces a fight of life. Cancer is common and does not discriminate. Only a few years ago cancer was referred to as a condition too awful to talk about. Discussion though often communicating knowledge, is a powerful weapon in the battle against cancer. Survivors know cancer can be conquered and they speak a language of warfare. They truly have fought an enemy within ... not simply the intruding cells, but their bodies defenses, denial, anger, and sometimes despair. Many cancer survivors consider the disease to have been a gift in a horrible package... a message too dire to ignore, that life, which is indeed fleeting and precious, is a miracle and a gift from God. I know hope is the most powerful medicine of all. Illness is an opportunity for growth and the healing part comes from the ability to deal with whatever illness is troubling you. It’s all about finding peace of mind.

How did an experience so tragic bring good into my life? It was a lesson to teach me where to turn to in a crisis. It pulled me into a dark valley dropping me along the way - forcing me to rest and learn to trust Psalm 46:10... "Be still and know that I am God." He was in control. I emerged to the mountaintop, into the same world but with a different appreciation of life and a closer relationship with my Savior. Yes, I touched the rose and felt the thorn. I’ve seen my life go from "vision to victory." We cannot tell what may happen to us in the strange medley of life but we can decide what happens within us... how we take it and what we do with it. That’s what really counts in the end, how to take the raw stuff of life and make it a thing of worth and beauty... that is the test of living. The magic of life can never end, for it’s filled with all life’s greatest gifts, our family and friends.

If you are struggling with illness, remember the importance of a positive mental attitude and do not give up hope. Arm yourself with knowledge about your illness, and become an active participant in your treatment plans. If you are well, please do not take your good health for granted. 

In closing I would like to reflect on someone who truly touched my life and taught me how to touch others. Dr. Francisco Contreras touches so many lives. I personally want to thank him once again for the unconditional commitment he made to me and continues to make to all his patients. My heart is full of gratitude to him and his staff. I salute each one for giving of themselves so that others are blessed with hope, strength and good health.

I will always remain grateful that Dr. Contreras and Oasis of Hope Hospital were a part of God’s gift to me on my journey to victory over cancer. I thank Dr. Contreras for my treatment and direction of healing. With his help I’ve learned to speak and write words of encouragement and love to others who go through times of crises and challenges. Today I am blessed to work closely with Dr. Contreras as I refer many people with a health crisis to the Oasis of Hope.... a place and person who are committed to saving lives. One of the greatest blessings God can give to you is the gift of someone who cares... Dr. Contreras truly cares!

Stay Healthy,
Dee Simmons

I’m excited to announce that my book Ultimate Living is now published. This books tells my story and offers hope and encouragement to others who are experiencing crisis in their lives. From the beginning my mission, vision and passion was and always will be to save lives. This is my total commitment. Writing this book made me realize that I desire to work more closely with cancer victims and their families. Dr. Francisco Contreras honored me by writing the foreword.

"Of course I had a big argument with my doctor, and he was convinced that if I went to Mexico I was going to die. Well, I was convinced that if I stayed in the United States I was going to die. I knew I could always get the additional surgery and chemotherapy in the U.S., so I said, I'll try the OASIS first and see what happens . I have certainly never been sorry for going down there and I cannot say enough about the doctors and staff. They give such personal care. It just seems that if treatment there was not such a wonderful thing, as far as the cancer program is concerned, 40,000 Americans would not have chosen the Contreras doctors."

I praise God for 2 years of quality life since being diagnosed with cancer. Gods Word is true must walk by faith and not by sight. Of course He gave me a brain and I try very hard to be led by the Holy Spirit. I pray for wisdom in dealing with these situations.

After being in the convalescent hospital for almost a year with Alzheimer’ disease, my beloved husband Merle Bender, went to be with the Lord on February 22, 1998.

We made an appointment with Dr. Lagos there and I was hospitalized for 2 months for treatment. The treatment was successful and in about 6 months I was examined and found to no longer have cancer.

In my visits to the hospital there I have gained many friends over the years including hospital staff and other patients. I am very grateful to Dr. Lagos and his kindness to me during my many trips to see him for treatment. He has been always very pleasant and professional in dealing with me. I am very grateful to the hospital staff for their care and concern for me over the years.